In an electrifying match, Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta each scored sensational hat-tricks as Ghana triumphed 4-3 over the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
For the second consecutive game, Otto Addo’s side had to stage a comeback, following their 1-2 victory over Mali in Bamako last Thursday. The match, held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, saw dramatic shifts in momentum and showcased incredible individual performances.
The Black Stars took an early lead just six minutes in when Ayew converted a penalty after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was brought down in the box. However, CAR responded strongly, ending the first half ahead with Mafouta netting twice to overturn the scoreline.
Ghana emerged revitalized in the second half, with Ayew scoring twice more and Issahaku adding another goal, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory despite Mafouta completing his hat-trick as well.
Coach Otto Addo made three changes to the squad that defeated Mali, bringing in Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Kamaldeen Sulemana for Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, and Tariq Lamptey. Addo also reverted to a back four, with Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Salisu protecting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
In midfield, Thomas Partey partnered with Abdul Salis Samed, while Sulemana and Issahaku operated from the flanks. Mohammed Kudus retained his spot from the previous match, with Ayew leading the attack.
The game began with a bang, as a surging run by Issahaku led to a penalty just two minutes in, which Ayew calmly converted, marking his fifth goal in four matches for Ghana. Despite Ghana’s early dominance, CAR’s Mafouta equalized in the 11th minute after outrunning Salisu and Djiku.
A defensive lapse nearly cost Ghana another goal, but Ati-Zigi was quick to thwart Karl Namnganda’s effort. Sulemana squandered a golden opportunity with a poor shot after a counter-attacking move, leaving Ghana frustrated.
Mafouta struck again before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error by Mensah to give CAR a 2-1 lead. However, the Black Stars roared back in the second half, using the flanks more effectively as Sulemana and Issahaku swapped positions.
Ayew’s towering header from a Mensah cross brought Ghana level at 2-2. Moments later, Issahaku’s deflected shot put Ghana ahead, and Ayew completed his hat-trick following a goalmouth scramble, making it 4-2.
The match wasn’t over yet, as Mafouta scored a spectacular free-kick to complete his hat-trick and bring the score to 4-3. Despite the late drama, Ghana held on for a crucial victory.
With this win, the Black Stars now sit atop Group I in the CAF World Cup qualifiers, three points ahead of both Comoros and Madagascar, who will face Chad and Madagascar, respectively, on Tuesday. The victory has significantly bolstered Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.